Karasu – Japanese
Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, this intimate Japanese hideaway welcomes guests into a moody, wood-paneled sanctuary illuminated by the soft glow of amber lights. The air hums with the energy of a modern Izakaya, where delicate small plates and charcoal-kissed skewers are paired with precision-crafted cocktails and rare sakes. It is a space defined by quiet sophistication and bold umami flavors, offering a transportive escape that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment.
Karasu, Cumberland Street, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, NY 11238, United States +92 345 4301691 http://karasubk.com/Rating: 4.5/5 (314 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: halal, high-protein, kosher, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently closed
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM
What diners are saying
Hidden behind Walter’s, this intimate Japanese speakeasy is celebrated for its moody, stylish atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. Diners rave about the thoughtful, seasonal menu, highlighting standout dishes like fresh sashimi, Wagyu tartare, unagi don, and top-notch karaage chicken. Guests consistently praise the inventive cocktails and warm, attentive service, describing the experience as perfect for romantic dates or special anniversaries without being overly stuffy.
Menu
RAW
Fresh and raw preparations
- Oysters - $4: Yuzu Scallion Mignonette Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free
- Hamachi - $21: Pickled Ginger, Ponzu, Negi Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Macrobiotic
- Tuna Tataki - $22: Kizami Wasabi, Onion, Yuzu Shoyu Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Alkaline, Macrobiotic
- Salmon - $19: Shiso Shoyu, Yuzu Kosho Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Scallop - $18: Citrus, Tamari, House Chili Oil Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Wagyu Beef Tartare - $20: Rayu, Yuzu, Senbei
SMALL
Small plates and appetizers
- Chilled Edamame - $9: Sesame Garlic Vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Cucumber Salad - $14: Genmaicha, Sesame Yogurt, Squid Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Beni Imo - $15: Japanese Sweet Potato, Nduja, Aonori Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo
- Mizuna Salad - $17: Tatsoi, Nori Chip Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber
- Braised Maitake - $15: Mushroom Kosho, Beurre Blanc, Chives Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Yaki Niku - $19: Wagyu Short Rib, Tare, Yuzu Kosho Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Renal, Lectin-Free
MEDIUM
Mid-sized sharing plates
- Kabocha Gratin - $17: Vadouvan, Azuki, Gruyere Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Hamachi Collar Croquettes - $17: Confit Salmon, Pickled Chilis, Sriracha Mayo Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Unagi Don - $26: Torched Eel, House Kabayaki, Naruto Maki, Takuan Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Ikura Don - $31: Scottish Salmon, Yuzu Kasha, Shiso
- Sayoko’s Karaage - $17: Fried Chicken Thigh, Spicy Mayo, Tosazu
- Paitan Ramen - $25: Chanterelles, Kikurage, Ajitama Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory
LARGE
Substantial main courses
- Thousand Layer Nabe - $35: Pork Belly, Napa Cabbage, Wakame Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Tonkatsu - $39: Fried Berkshire Pork Loin, Cabbage, Spicy Mustard
- Cauliflower Steak - $20: Shiso Green Godess, Cashews Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo
- Uni Glazed Black Cod - $38: Saikyo Miso, Creamed Cabbage Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- 22 oz Prime Ribeye for Two - $105: Koji, Tosazu Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free
COCKTAILS
Reinterpreted classics and house creations
- Lily Pad - $19: a sour with fruity melon, bright yuzu vodka, midori, green chartreuse Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Wabi Sabi - $18: tequila, lime, lychee, savory sake, spicy wasabi, black lava salt Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Little Foot - $19: our zesty daiquiri with fresh yuzu, oleo saccharum and rich diplomatico rum Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Lake Biwa - $20: mezcal, absinthe, pineapple and cucumber reminds you of the shore Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- No Bun Intended - $20: bourbon vanilla paste, nutty blend of sesame washed rye, ume whisky, barley shochu Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Shift Drink - $19: our house negroni with coffee liqueur, campari, grilled pineapple and mezcal Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Golden Age - $20: aromatic saffron, sweet persimmon, tart yuzu, spiced toffee and apricot notes of ichiro’s malt & grain whisky Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Matcha Martini - $20: a creamy, caffeinated boost with earthy matcha, vanilla-infused haku vodka & yellow chartreuse Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Olive Branch - $19: dirty with a twist, olive oil washed gin, yuzu, olive brine Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- The Cure - $18: uplift the body and mind with this tonic of turmeric-infused gin, honey, ginger and yuzu
- Classic Highball - $14: suntory whisky, sparkling water & lemon twist Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Leapfrog Highball - $16: fresh lime, silky calpico, Midori, aged rum & sparkling water Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Handshake Highball - $17: a botanical americano twist with scarlet aperitivo and oka kura bermutto Dietary tags: Pescatarian
HAPPY HOUR MENU
Mon - Thurs 5 - 7 pm, Bar Only
- Select Sake - $9
- Classic Toki Highball - $9
- Midori Rum Highball - $9
- Kirin - $5
- Kirin & Select Whisky Shot - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Koshu or Pinot Noir - $9
- Cold Edamame - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic
- Potato Salad - $7 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb
- Karasu Burger - $15
- Furikake Fries - $7 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach, Slow-Carb
Frequently Asked Questions about Karasu
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Karasu has a website at http://karasubk.com/, though the provided information does not mention if online ordering is available.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- The Japanese restaurant Karasu has an overall average rating of 4.5/5 according to the provided restaurant data.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The price range at Karasu is moderate, which is represented by a price level of $$.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- This intimate Japanese speakeasy features a moody, wood-paneled atmosphere with amber lighting, offering quiet sophistication perfect for romantic dates.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- Karasu is located behind Walter’s, and additional information can be found on their website at http://karasubk.com/.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Karasu accommodates mixed dietary needs with options like vegan Mizuna Salad, keto Prime Ribeye, gluten-free Cauliflower Steak, and vegetarian Braised Maitake.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include Mizuna Salad and Edamame; keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options include Prime Ribeye, Scallops, Cauliflower Steak, and Cucumber Salad.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- The 22 oz Prime Ribeye for Two and Scallop both accommodate multiple diets including keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Karasu offers good value with a moderate ($$) price level and 4.5/5 rating, featuring exceptional hospitality and high-quality seasonal dishes.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- With a 4.5/5 rating, reviews mention no concerns, instead praising the exceptional hospitality, moody atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and sashimi.
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